Investigating the Authenticity of Paintings and works of art believed to be by or Attributed to;

Lyonel Charles Adrian Feininger

B. Léonell Feininger AKA: Lyonel Feininger

American/German Expressionist

1871 - 1956

Almost certainly, any works believed to be Lyonel Feininger that surface, will require a thorough investigation of their legitimacy to be absolutely certain they are authentic, or alternatively that a previously given attribution can be confirmed as correct.

The provenance and history associated with any work of art is critical and must be thoroughly scrutinized and facts corroborated to determine if it too is both valid and sound. Or that any description of a work of art claiming to be by this artist is correct and can truly be relied upon.

When an artists works are highly sought after and make substantial sums in the art market as his do, a simple deception ploy, commonly used is to add a signature or monogram, a forged studio or estate stamp, or an inscription or gallery label to a previously anonymous work. One of a similar type, form, manner or style of that artist, but one that was created by a follower or even a student of the arts hand and this is the most repetative form of forgery and crimninal deception that we see.

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We are international fine art consultants and authenticity investigators specialising in conducting full investigations into the authenticity of works of art created by artists in all categories, regions and from historical eras. We scrutinize and track provenance, confidentially serving and advising both private individuals and corporate clients from around the world for over 45 years.

With bases in Europe, we can assist and advise you in all fine art related matters, particularly issues of authentication, legitimacy and the attribution of old and modern master works of art. Including the fine works of Lyonel Feininger, the studio, circle or followers, or any works of art that you are unsure about.

Some examples of paintings appear below. No inference is made nor intended as to questioning authenticity, moreover they are a cross the board representational view of the types of works offered for sale at auction internationally, some of which will need to be understood and sometimes specifically fully qualified and authenticated.

Gouache on paper. Featuring an expressionist landscape scene of the city. Signed Lyonel Feininger on the lower right corner. Inscribed 172 and stamped illegibly on verso. Attributed to Lyonel Feininger

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000 Not Sold

Lyonel Feininger 1871 - 1956
THREE SAILING BOATS
Signed Feininger and dated 30 7 33 )Pen and ink and watercolor on paper laid down on card

SOLD. $40,000 USD

Lyonel Feininger Paintings

AUTHENTICITY INVESTIGATIONS :

The duration and direction of any attribution or investigation into the authenticity of a work of art will inevitably vary from project to project, but there are clear and very well defined professional formalities, responsibilities and areas of scrutiny that we can formally assist you with including:

Authentication: Authentification: Conducting and directing comprehensive investigations
and in depth research, with a view to establishing a correct, complete and
formally recognized certification of a work of art.

One that is absolutely upheld by the
appropriate, legally acknowledged and internationally sanctioned authority, body or
expert on that given artist. By directing
detailed and often complicated inquiries, with multilingual capability, full international academic research and any
forensic applications that are required.

Attribution:Identifying and confirming
the identity of a previously anonymous artist, studio or workshop from which a
work of art most likely originated. Including the re-examination and investigation of a
previous attribution which may be incorrect, or the scrutiny of an attribution
that has been formally questioned or is currently doubted.

Confirmation: Undertaking research and investigations into the legitimacy of the provenance, history and prior ownership of a work of art and establishing its accuracy and legitimacy.

Scrutiny: Examen minutieux:Identifying fake or faux works of art
and forgeries, including any false supportive accompanying documentation and
determining works of art which may be studio or later copies, or previously given incorrect
attributions.

Prosecution: Poursuite:Investigating alleged art fraud and forgery and assisting and advising those who
are currently , or may be considering litigating or prosecuting the fact. This includes
colleagues who are legal professionals and individual private clients.

Attention:Conducting all fine art related due diligence and duty of care
inquiries. Including safe prepurchase or sale related audits and assisting
clients in consolidating a well balanced future family distribution.

Appraisal:Évaluation -Valuations, quality and condition reports.

Lyonel Feininger : Step one in the Art Authentication and Attribution process.

The Pre-Authentication Assessment.

Before you begin any art authenticity, legitimacy, or artist attribution investigation, it is wise to have an impartial preliminary assessment of the viability of the project conducted first. One made to independently and rationally balance any negative issues there may be against the positive elements. You should treat this study as your initial safety net.

We will be happy to professionally undertake this for you, based upon good quaity images that you supply and all the known facts regarding its acquisition, the history and provenance of the work of art as is known to you.

You will then have a far better understanding of the prospects and pitfalls that could lie ahead.

It is important to very clearly understand the auction terms that are used in a published descriptor and to to be cautious of works that may just be painted in the manner of the artist, or being confused by stylized - would be copies of works which bear a signature or monogram.

In this case the paintings and drawings of the artist Lyonel Feininger (1871-1956).

Were the name, Lyonel Feininger is given with the first name/s and surname of the artist, usually cited as Lyonel Feininger, then in their qualified and professional opinion they are in no doubt, it is the genuine and authentic item, one painted by the artist himself.

When Attributed to Lyonel Feininger, or it is similarly written or used as ascribed to or Attrib, [abbreviated,] or Attribué à, or ascribed to, then in their opinion it is 'probably' a work by the artist, at least in part. But... there is no guarantee. It is only an opinion.

When Lyonel Feininger; with the term “School of, or Studio of ….” or “Workshop of Lyonel Feininger" or attelier of Lyonel Feininger " is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work executed in the studio of the artist. Possibly by an apprentice or if there was a pupil training under the principal artists supervision and guidance.

But if the term Lyonel Feininger circle of, or “Circle of Lyonel Feininger” is specifically used, then in their opinion, it is a work only of the period of the artist, but showing his influence, or someone closely associated with the artist, BUT not necessarily by his pupil or student.

When the name is given thus; Painted in the “Style of Lyonel Feininger ” or “Follower of Lyonel Feininger
is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work of art executed only in the artist’s way, his 'style', but not necessarily by a pupil. Yet it may be contemporary, or nearly contemporary of the artist.

If the phrase in the “Manner of Lyonel Feiningeris used or is defined….” then in their opinion it is also only a work painted in the style of the artist, but of a later date and definitely not by the artist himself.

When the term “After…. Lyonel Feininger "; is the term used, then in their opinion it is a copy (made at any date) of an authentic and original work by the artist. This also applies to prints made 'after' an original work of art either by the artist himself or another artist/ printmaker..

Signed - Lyonel Feininger ; “Dated….” or “Inscribed Lyonel Feininger ” Then in their opinion the work has been signed/dated/or inscribed by that specific artist. The addition of a question mark ? however, indicates a strong element of doubt.

When the term 'bears signature',
is used or the name, Lyonel Feininger is specified followed by the words; "With signature ….”, or “With date ….” or “With inscription….” or “Bears signature of Lyonel Feininger /date/or inscription” Then in 'their opinion,' the signature / date / or inscription is spurious, forged or has been added by someone else other than the artist.